Colorectal Cancer

Psychological issues around colorectal cancer (CRC) can emerge from the point CRC is suspected, through treatment, to living with or beyond cancer. One-third of patients report high levels of anxiety while undergoing investigations for suspected cancer, and emotional difficulties, particularly anxiety and fear of recurrence, can persist for years following a confirmed diagnosis. Treatments for CRC can result in problems with bowel, urinary, or sexual function and issues with body image following major surgery and/or the presence of a stoma. Such problems can impact both the patient’s social life and ability to work, and result in financial difficulties. Fatigue and difficulty sleeping remain common problems among patients with chronic cancer. Evidence suggests that patients with screen-detected disease experience better quality of life and are more satisfied with their cancer care. Enhancing screening provision and uptake is probably the most effective way of reducing the psychological impact of a CRC diagnosis. However, there are marked differences across countries in screening provision. A substantial proportion of patients living with cancer, and of people cancer-free following curative treatment, report unmet needs around living with anxiety, uncertainty, and fear of dying as well as the need for medical support and information. Interventions to reduce unmet needs in cancer patients have had little success to date, and more effective interventions are required to help CRC patients with the challenges they face before and after a cancer diagnosis.